Sword (fragments)

Add to album

These fragments of an iron and bronze sword were found on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, probably with a spear and whetstone. They are probably grave goods from a tenth century Scandinavian burial. The sword was an expensive object, though sadly decayed now.

The guard and hilt of the sword were made in bronze, and silver wires were twisted through the fingers of the pommel. Remains of a wooden grip also survive. The blade was made in the pattern welding technique.

Viking men were often buried with their weapons, together with a range of objects to accompany them after death. A full weapon 'kit' consisted of sword, spear, axe, shield, armour and helmet, but most men were buried with only some of these.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-004-753-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 328
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
• Material: Bronze
  Sword / fragment
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Sword / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Eriskay
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragments of a bronze mounted Viking sword, from Eriskay, Inverness-shire
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 82. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 73. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: